Archerfish (Toxotes sp.)


The Archerfish is well known for its unique ability to fire jets of water above the surface in order to knock insects of overhanging branches. Its aim is so accurate that it is able to hit targets within a few cm up to 150cm above the water! In the aquarium, with regular feeding, the fish rarely shows this natural behaviour. Archerfish are relatively peaceful fish that are well suited to a brackish water community although they will grow to a significant size, requiring an aquarium of 120cm or more. Provide plenty of open swimming space and mix with other large, robust, brackish fish. Although Archerfish are best kept in groups, any significantly smaller members may be bullied.
Archerfish Facts
Behaviour : Peaceful, shoaling
Typical size : 20cm
Max size : 25cm
Tank Area : Top
Min Tank Size : 150cm
Min Number in Tank : 4
Temp Min : 24℃ Max : 30℃
Feeding : Flake when young, frozen, live, pellet foods
pH Range pH : 7.5-8.5
Hardness : m,h,vh
Family Toxotidae (Archerfishes) | Synonyms Sciaena jaculatrix, Labrus jaculatrix, Toxotes jaculator | Other names Archerfish, Banded Archerfish | Origin Asia, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia | Natural Water Conditions pH 7.5-8.5, brackish | Natural Habitat Freshwater, brackish and occasionally reef environments, mainly found in mangrove areas.
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